Good morning! It’s Wednesday, July 3, 2024. When I was young, I heard people express exasperation with the phrase, “For Christ’s sake!” Then, they would specify their concerns. However, in Philemon, Paul defines those words with a completely different meaning! It’s a charge to us—to use every good thing we have for Christ’s sake. Read on …
Today's Reading:
Isaiah 6,7; 2 Chronicles 26,27; Philemon
Scripture
“… I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.” (Philemon 1:16)
Observation
Paul prays that the "fellowship of our faith" would become effective. How?
Many churches use the word "fellowship" in their name. Fellowship is an essential component of any church. Some may call it a "community." Others may call it "a vibrant church life." However, just because we have the word "fellowship" in our name doesn't mean it's effective. For example, just because we plant ten churches doesn't mean we are ten times more effective. If a church has a follow-up program, it may not mean that people are being assimilated effectively.
Here in Philemon, we find a key to making our fellowship "effective." How?
By people harnessing every good thing in them and using it for the sake of Christ's purposes, and not their own! That is why Paul states that effectiveness comes through using "every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake."
Application
I wonder how much of the good that is in me is being used for “my purposes,” and how much for Christ’s purposes? I must garner everything—the fish, the loaves, and even gather up the 12 baskets full—so that “nothing be lost” for the sake of His purposes.
As for me, my calling cannot be a 40-hour-a-week job. It is a 24/7 commitment of my whole being. The Kingdom of God is my life. I am not my own. I have been “bought with a price.” I am a slave and a servant of the King, and I have agreed to give Him my all in exchange for His grace. I was so much in debt to sin that I was lost, but now I am found. Therefore, I will gladly keep the covenant I made with the King and never take His grace for granted. Now, I will use whatever is good in me...for Christ’s sake!
Prayer
Lord, help me to keep my agreement with You as a heartfelt obedience to our covenant. Use whatever good that is in me for Your purposes. I know we often use what we have for our sake and give You leftovers. Forgive us for that error and lead us in Your everlasting way. For Your sake, we live, breathe, and have our being! Amen.
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